The battle for Wear OS supremacy intensifies as Google and Samsung unveil their latest smartwatches—the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7. Both devices run Wear OS 5, pack advanced health and fitness features, and cater to Android users, but they differ in key areas. After extensive testing, here’s how they stack up.
Pricing and Size Options
Google expands its lineup with a new 45mm Pixel Watch 3, joining the existing 41mm model, while Samsung retains its 40mm and 44mm variants.
- Pixel Watch 3 starts at 399/£399 (45mm), with LTE versions costing an extra $100/£100.
- Galaxy Watch 7 begins at 329/£319 (44mm), with LTE models priced $50/£40 higher.
Samsung also offers the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra (47mm), boasting extended battery life and outdoor-focused features.
Design and Display
The Pixel Watch 3 pulls ahead with a brighter 2,000-nit AMOLED display and slimmer bezels, while the Galaxy Watch 7 sticks to a familiar design with minor refinements.
Pixel Watch 3: 31g (41mm) and 37g (45mm); aluminum case, 5ATM water resistance.
Galaxy Watch 7: 28g (40mm) and 33.8g (44mm); same durability rating.
Both are comfortable for all-day wear, but the Galaxy Watch 7 includes a touch bezel for navigation, whereas the Pixel Watch 3 relies on its scrollable crown. Neither model is rugged, though Samsung’s flat display edges out Google’s curved screen for scratch resistance.
Software and Ecosystem
Both watches run Wear OS 5, but their skins differ:
Pixel Watch 3 excels in Google ecosystem integration, with Nest device controls, UWB support, and AI-assisted call management.
Galaxy Watch 7 introduces Galaxy AI, enabling personalized message replies and health insights, though functionality remains limited.
Samsung’s One UI Watch 6 offers a more playful interface, while Google’s cleaner design appeals to minimalists.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Galaxy AI Health Analysis: Sleep coaching, Energy Score, and metabolic AGEs Index tracking.
Advanced Sensors: ECG, blood pressure monitoring (with calibration), and BIA body composition analysis (though accuracy is questionable).
Sleep & Stress Tracking: Snore detection, temperature-based cycle tracking, and irregular heart rhythm alerts.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Fitbit Integration: More reliable health metrics, including ECG, stress monitoring (EDA sensor), and body temperature tracking.
New Feature: Loss of Pulse Detection triggers SOS if no heartbeat is detected.
Readiness Scores & Morning Brief: Free access to recovery insights and daily training advice.
Fitness and GPS Performance
Pixel Watch 3: Optimized for runners with Wear OS 5’s new dynamics metrics (stride length, ground contact time).
Galaxy Watch 7: Dual-frequency GPS outperforms in urban areas; supports multi-discipline workouts.
Both excel in heart rate tracking, making this category a tie.
Battery Life
Pixel Watch 3 (45mm): 2-day battery life—best in class.
Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm): ~30 hours; smaller models struggle to last a full day.
Galaxy Watch Ultra: Matches Pixel’s endurance but at a higher price.
Final Verdict
The Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) emerges as the top pick with superior battery life, trusted health tracking, and seamless Google integration. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 remains a strong contender for Samsung users, offering expanded health features and better GPS.
For most buyers, the Pixel Watch 3 is the smarter choice—unless battery life isn’t a priority, in which case Samsung’s offering holds its own.
